The Happiest Hour {Cup of Cheer}

This cocktail is just that, a cup of cheer! Taking inspiration from the songs of the season, this rosy red sipper is dazzling and delicious. A glass of prosecco, a splash of blood orange, and a drop of grenadine make up this spirited drink. It's perfect with holiday dinner or toasting with friends. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Blood Orange Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

:: Directions ::
Combine first 3 ingredients in champagne flute. Garnish with cherry and enjoy!

The Happiest Hour {Candy Cane Cocktail}

No holiday party is complete without a signature holiday cocktail. Cranberry, chocolate, and gingerbread are all excellent choices, but for this gathering, I opting for something a little fresher and mintier, candy cane. The minty freshness and bright red color are ideal for any gathering. To make this holiday libation, I combined crushed candy cane's and vodka. After the candy cane's dissolved, mix with a bit of grenadine and a splash of soda water for a party worthy sipper. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients for Vodka ::
12 Full Size Candy Canes
750 ml Vodka

:: Directions for Vodka ::
1. Crush candy canes to a fine powder and pour into vodka.
2. Shake to mix and let sit until candy canes dissolve, about 30 minutes.

:: Ingredients for Cocktail ::
1 part Candy Cane Vodka
1 part Grenadine
1 part Soda Water

:: Directions for Cocktail ::
Combine ingredients, garnish with candy cane, sip and celebrate!

The Happiest Hour {Apple Pie Vodka}

Everything is set and ready to go for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We are off today to Rob's parents to spend the holiday enjoying mother nature and good company. I wanted to take today to focus on my favorite part of the holidays, cheerful cocktails. My new obsession is to turn decadent holiday treats into drinks filled with holiday spirit.

Last week we were visiting my sister on our way up to Tennessee for a wedding. After dinner she pulled out a mason jar of something divine smelling. It was apple pie liquor. Made in large quantities, I figured out this was the perfect thing to make and give to friends over the holidays or serve up at parties with a splash of club soda. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Gallon Apple Cider
1/2 Gallon Apple Juice
3 Cups Sugar
8 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Liters Vodka (The higher the proof the better. 190 proof is suggested, however a lesser proof can be used.)

:: Directions ::
1. Combine apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
2. Once completely cooled, strain to remove sediment. Add vodka and portion into mason jars. Secure lids tightly and enjoy!

All Mixed Up {Cranberry Ginger Fizz}

Every holiday party requires a holiday cocktail. If you read "This Party Inspired By {Cranberry}" a couple weeks ago, you know that cranberry is not only the perfect holiday shade, but the perfect holiday flavor. With this cocktail's vibrant red color and accent of lime, it's colored appropriately, and incredibly delicious. Here's what you'll need for this festive libation...

(Because I don't measure drinks and go by taste, this measurements will not be exact.)

{1} Equal parts cranberry juice and ginger ale 

{2} Gin to taste

{3} Lime wedge

Combine ingredients, shake, pour, and enjoy!